REO Speedwagon are renowned for their lush orchestration and power balladry, as heard on one of their best known works "I Can't Fight This Feeling".
The group began life in the 60s, building a substantial fanbase on the local club scene in the Midwest. They released their self-titled debut in 1971, but it was their live album in 1977 which hit a commercial and critical high. It was the first album that the band felt captured the true sound of their live performances -- fans agreed, buying sufficient copies to give the band their first platinum-seller.
After the hard-rock of Nine Lives, the band steered to the middle of the road and put the effects pedal to the metal. The sound on Hi Infidelity set the scene for the next few albums, and the band spent many weeks in the charts with "Keep on Loving You", "Keep the Fire Burnin'", "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "One Lonely Night". The 1987 Life as We Know It album changed life as they knew it, as it was the start in the decline in sales for the band, as tastes moved on.
The band still play to their fans, touring smaller venues playing their popular early material.
The band has currently had 6 live shows recorded by Abbey Road Live and being sold in Limited Edition (as of 2/12/11). They still play their classics and add a few surprises - changing the intros to their songs and throwing in new songs as well.
